This book looks into the maritime heritage of Konkan from 2nd Century B.C. to about 17th Century A.D. The rich maritime legacy is reflected through the various early travel accounts cave inscriptions etc wherein there are references to a large number of trading centers and ports engaged in overseas trade. The ports of Konkan played an important role in maintaining these trading relations. The maritime legacy of Konkan acquired a new dimension with the rise of Maratha power under Chhatrapati Shivaji who laid the foundation of an indigenous navy. It gradually became a formidable power on the Konkan Coast and managed to keep the Siddis, the European trading powers and the pirates under check for about 150 years. The force reached its Zenith under Sarkhel Kanhoji Angre. The defeat of his son. Tulaji Angre in 1756 ended the maritime domination of the Konkan by an Indian ruler.
This book is an attempt to look into this rich maritime heritage of Konkan along with the physical factors that influenced its maritime character. It looks into the porsts along the Konkan Coast and how they rose and fell and new ports emerged over time. It also dwells into the aspects of traditional boat building techniques, types of boats, navigational wisdom and the achievements of the Maratha Nave. The text is supported by a large number of maps, illustrations and photographs.
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